Question

Which of the following salts (ionic compounds) will be substantially more soluble in an acidic solution than in pure water: Ag2CO3, AgClO4, PbI2, or Cd(OH)2?

Answer 1

We assume the addition of nitric acid, `HNO_3` (because all nitrates are soluble).

Explanation:

Silver carbonate will be more soluble in nitric acid:

`Ag_2CO_3(s) + 2HNO_3(aq) rarr 2AgNO_3(aq) + H_2O + CO_2uarr`

Silver perchlorate is certainly soluble (and had hydrochloric been added, `AgCl` would precipitate):

`AgClO_4(aq) + HCl(aq) rarr AgCl(s)darr + HClO_4(aq)`

Plumbic iodide is pretty insoluble stuff, and addition of mineral acid would not bring it into solution, inasmuch as the anion `I^-` is not labile to acid hydrolysis as are `OH^-` or `CO_3^(2-)`.

Cadmium hydroxide would dissolve with nitric acid.

`Cd(OH)_2(s) + 2HNO_3(aq) rarr Cd(NO_3)_2(aq) + 2H_2O(l)`

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